Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A biofeedback virtual reality system comprising: a virtual reality headset having a viewing area for a user; a sensor, the sensor producing a signal indicative of a physiological parameter of the user; a portable computing device coupled to the virtual reality headset and electronically coupled to the sensor, the portable computing device configured to receive the signal and including a processor and a memory, the memory including a plurality of virtual reality environments and a set of instructions executable by the processor, the instructions including; determining the mental state of the user based upon the signal; selecting a one of the plurality of environments based on the determined mental state; delivering the selected one of the plurality of environments to the user on the viewing area; adjusting the selected one based upon the determining, wherein the adjusting is in the form of setting a plurality of initial conditions associated with the selected one of the virtual reality environments; monitoring the signal; and altering the selected one of the plurality of environments based upon the monitoring.
A biofeedback virtual reality system monitors a user's physiological parameters to dynamically adjust virtual reality (VR) environments in real-time. The system includes a VR headset, a sensor that detects physiological data (e.g., heart rate, brainwaves), and a portable computing device. The computing device processes the sensor signals to determine the user's mental state, such as stress, focus, or relaxation. Based on this assessment, the system selects and delivers a VR environment tailored to the user's current state. The system further adjusts initial conditions of the environment (e.g., lighting, scenery, difficulty) to optimize the experience. As the user interacts, the system continuously monitors physiological signals and modifies the environment in real-time to maintain or shift the user's mental state. This adaptive approach ensures personalized and responsive VR experiences, useful for therapy, training, or entertainment. The system dynamically adapts to the user's physiological feedback, enhancing engagement and effectiveness.
2. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 1 , wherein the physiological parameter is an RR interval.
A biofeedback virtual reality system monitors and responds to a user's physiological parameters, specifically the RR interval, which measures the time between heartbeats. The system collects real-time physiological data from the user, such as heart rate variability, and uses this data to dynamically adjust virtual reality (VR) content. The VR environment is modified based on the user's physiological state to enhance engagement, relaxation, or training outcomes. For example, if the RR interval indicates stress, the system may adjust visual or auditory elements to promote relaxation. The system may also provide real-time feedback to the user, such as visual or haptic cues, to guide them toward desired physiological responses. This approach leverages biofeedback principles within a VR setting to create personalized, adaptive experiences for applications in therapy, fitness, or mental health. The integration of physiological monitoring with VR content allows for immersive, data-driven interactions that respond to the user's biological signals.
3. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 2 , wherein the portable computing device receives the signal and determines a coherence, the coherence influencing the altering.
This technical summary describes a biofeedback virtual reality (VR) system designed to enhance user engagement and physiological regulation through real-time feedback. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining user immersion in VR environments while promoting relaxation or focus by integrating physiological data into the virtual experience. The system includes a portable computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, that communicates with a VR headset. Sensors, such as heart rate monitors or EEG devices, measure the user's physiological signals, which are transmitted to the portable computing device. The device processes these signals to calculate a coherence metric, representing the synchronization of physiological rhythms, such as heart rate variability or brainwave patterns. Higher coherence levels indicate a state of relaxation or focus, while lower coherence suggests stress or distraction. The portable computing device uses the coherence metric to dynamically alter the VR environment in real time. For example, if coherence is low, the system may adjust visual or auditory elements to promote relaxation, such as softening colors or reducing environmental stimuli. Conversely, if coherence is high, the system may introduce more engaging or challenging elements to maintain user interest. The alterations are designed to guide the user toward an optimal physiological state, whether for therapeutic, educational, or entertainment purposes. This approach leverages biofeedback principles to create an adaptive VR experience that responds to the user's physiological state, enhancing both immersion and well-being.
4. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 2 , wherein the sensor is included in a chest strap monitor.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates physiological monitoring with immersive virtual environments to enhance user engagement and therapeutic outcomes. The system addresses the challenge of providing real-time, non-invasive physiological data to users in a virtual reality (VR) setting, enabling applications in stress management, physical rehabilitation, and mental health therapy. The system includes a sensor embedded in a chest strap monitor, which detects physiological signals such as heart rate, respiration, or muscle activity. These signals are processed to generate biofeedback data, which is then used to dynamically adjust the VR environment in real time. For example, the system may modify visual or auditory elements of the VR experience based on the user's physiological state, such as reducing stress-inducing stimuli when elevated heart rate is detected. The chest strap monitor ensures comfortable, continuous monitoring without disrupting the VR experience. This integration allows users to receive immediate feedback on their physiological responses, promoting self-regulation and improving therapeutic effectiveness. The system may also include additional sensors or interfaces to expand monitoring capabilities, such as tracking movement or posture. By combining biofeedback with VR, the system creates a personalized, adaptive experience that supports health and wellness interventions.
5. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 2 , wherein the sensor is included in an ear clip monitor.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates physiological monitoring with immersive virtual environments to enhance user experience and therapeutic applications. The system addresses the challenge of providing real-time physiological feedback to users in a virtual reality (VR) setting, enabling personalized interactions based on biometric data. The system includes a sensor embedded in an ear clip monitor, which measures physiological parameters such as heart rate, skin conductance, or blood oxygen levels. The ear clip design ensures non-invasive, continuous monitoring without obstructing the user's vision or movement. The sensor data is processed to generate biofeedback signals that influence the virtual environment, such as adjusting difficulty levels, triggering calming visuals, or providing guided breathing exercises. This integration allows for applications in stress management, rehabilitation, and entertainment, where physiological responses directly shape the VR experience. The ear clip monitor's compact and wearable form factor ensures comfort and practicality, making it suitable for extended use. By combining biofeedback with VR, the system creates a dynamic, responsive environment that adapts to the user's physiological state, improving engagement and therapeutic outcomes.
6. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 1 , wherein the virtual reality headset has a mounting area sized and configured to accept the portable computing device.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates a virtual reality headset with a portable computing device to provide immersive experiences while monitoring and responding to user physiological data. The system addresses the challenge of enhancing user engagement and personalization in virtual reality by incorporating real-time biofeedback, such as heart rate, muscle activity, or brainwave patterns, to dynamically adjust the virtual environment. The virtual reality headset includes a mounting area specifically designed to securely hold the portable computing device, enabling seamless integration of processing power, display capabilities, and biofeedback sensors. This configuration allows the system to process physiological data from wearable or embedded sensors, analyze the data to determine user states (e.g., stress, focus, or fatigue), and modify virtual content or interactions accordingly. For example, the system may adjust game difficulty, alter visual or auditory stimuli, or provide guided relaxation exercises based on detected biofeedback. The portable computing device handles data processing, communication with sensors, and rendering of the virtual environment, while the headset ensures stable positioning and optimal display quality. This approach enhances immersion, adaptability, and therapeutic applications of virtual reality by leveraging real-time physiological feedback.
7. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 1 , wherein the virtual reality headset and portable computing device are integrally connected so as to form a single unit without the ability to remove the portable computing device.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates a virtual reality headset with a portable computing device into a single, inseparable unit. The system monitors physiological signals from a user, such as heart rate, muscle activity, or brainwaves, using embedded sensors. These signals are processed in real-time by the portable computing device to generate biofeedback data. The virtual reality headset displays immersive environments that respond dynamically to the user's physiological state, providing visual, auditory, or haptic feedback to guide relaxation, training, or therapeutic interventions. The integrated design ensures seamless data transmission between the sensors and the computing device, eliminating connectivity issues. The system may include additional features such as adjustable head straps, ergonomic padding, and modular sensor attachments to enhance comfort and functionality. Applications include stress management, physical rehabilitation, and cognitive training, where real-time biofeedback enhances user engagement and therapeutic outcomes. The unified structure simplifies setup and reduces potential points of failure, making the system more reliable for clinical or consumer use.
8. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 1 , wherein the set of instructions further includes providing a breath indicator in the viewing area, the breath indicator prompting the user to take a breath at predetermined times.
A biofeedback virtual reality system monitors and responds to a user's physiological data, such as heart rate or respiration, to enhance relaxation or training. The system includes a head-mounted display that presents a virtual environment and a sensor system that detects the user's physiological signals. The system adjusts the virtual environment in real-time based on the user's physiological state, such as modifying visual or auditory elements to promote relaxation or focus. The system also provides a breath indicator in the viewing area, which prompts the user to take a breath at predetermined intervals. This breath indicator helps guide the user's breathing patterns, potentially improving relaxation or performance. The system may be used for stress reduction, meditation, or therapeutic applications, where controlled breathing is beneficial. The breath indicator ensures the user maintains proper breathing techniques, enhancing the effectiveness of the biofeedback process. The system integrates physiological monitoring with interactive virtual environments to create a personalized and responsive experience.
9. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 8 , further including a breathing monitor suitable for monitoring the breathing of the user and wherein the instructions further include determining the user's reaction time to the prompting of the breath indicator.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates physiological monitoring with immersive virtual environments to enhance user engagement and training. The system includes a virtual reality headset that displays a virtual environment and a breath indicator that prompts the user to perform breathing exercises. The system also incorporates a breathing monitor to track the user's respiratory patterns in real-time. The system analyzes the user's reaction time to the breath indicator prompts, providing feedback on their responsiveness and coordination between breathing and virtual interactions. This technology is designed for applications in stress management, rehabilitation, and performance training, where controlled breathing techniques are beneficial. The system may also include additional sensors to monitor other physiological parameters, such as heart rate or muscle activity, to provide a comprehensive biofeedback experience. By combining virtual reality with physiological monitoring, the system aims to improve user awareness of their bodily responses and enhance training outcomes through interactive, real-time feedback.
10. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 9 , wherein the set of instructions further includes incorporating the reaction time into the predetermined times for prompting.
A biofeedback virtual reality system monitors physiological responses of a user to adjust virtual reality (VR) content in real time. The system includes sensors to detect user reactions, such as heart rate, muscle activity, or brain signals, and a processing unit that analyzes these inputs. Based on the detected reactions, the system modifies VR content, such as visual, auditory, or haptic feedback, to enhance user engagement or training effectiveness. The system also tracks reaction times—how quickly a user responds to stimuli—and uses this data to optimize the timing of prompts or events within the VR environment. For example, if a user consistently responds faster to certain stimuli, the system may adjust the timing of subsequent prompts to better align with the user's cognitive or physical response patterns. This adaptive approach ensures personalized and dynamic interaction, improving the system's ability to train, rehabilitate, or entertain users based on their real-time physiological and behavioral data. The system may be applied in medical therapy, skill training, or immersive entertainment, where responsiveness and personalization are critical.
11. A biofeedback virtual reality system comprising: a sensor configured to produce a first signal representative of a user's heart rate and to produce a second signal representative of the time between heart beat peaks of the user; and a virtual reality device including a headset and a portable computing device coupled to the virtual reality headset and electronically coupled to the sensor, the portable computing device configured to receive the signal and including a processor and a memory, the memory including a plurality of virtual reality environments and a set of instructions executable by the processor, the instructions including: determining the mental state of the user based upon the first signal and the second signal; selecting a one of the plurality of environments based on the determined mental state; delivering the selected one of the plurality of environments to the user; adjusting the selected one based upon the determining, wherein the adjusting is in the form of setting a plurality of initial conditions associated with the selected one of the virtual reality environments; monitoring the first signal and the second signal; and altering the selected one of the plurality of environments based upon the monitoring.
A biofeedback virtual reality system monitors a user's heart rate and the time between heartbeats to assess their mental state and dynamically adjust a virtual reality (VR) experience accordingly. The system includes a sensor that generates signals representing the user's heart rate and the interval between heartbeats, which are processed by a portable computing device connected to a VR headset. The computing device analyzes these signals to determine the user's mental state, such as stress or relaxation levels, and selects an appropriate VR environment from a predefined set. The system initializes the selected environment with specific conditions based on the user's mental state and continuously monitors the heart rate signals. As the user interacts with the VR environment, the system further adjusts the experience in real time, modifying elements like visuals, audio, or interactivity to promote relaxation, focus, or other desired mental states. This adaptive approach ensures the VR experience aligns with the user's physiological responses, enhancing engagement and therapeutic benefits. The system is designed for applications in mental health, stress management, or entertainment, where personalized, responsive environments are valuable.
12. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 11 , wherein the portable computing device receives the signal and the second signal and determines a coherence, the coherence influencing the altering.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates physiological monitoring with immersive virtual environments to enhance user engagement and therapeutic outcomes. The system includes a portable computing device that processes biometric data from a user, such as heart rate, muscle activity, or brainwave patterns, and generates a virtual reality experience that adapts in real-time based on the user's physiological state. The system also receives a second signal, which may represent additional biometric data, environmental inputs, or user interactions, and analyzes the relationship between these signals to determine coherence—a measure of synchronization or alignment between the physiological responses and the virtual environment. This coherence metric is used to dynamically adjust the virtual reality content, such as modifying visual elements, audio cues, or interactive scenarios, to optimize user engagement, relaxation, or performance. The system may be used for applications like stress reduction, physical rehabilitation, or cognitive training, where real-time biofeedback enhances the effectiveness of the virtual experience. The portable computing device ensures portability and flexibility, allowing the system to be deployed in various settings, including clinical environments, home use, or mobile scenarios. The coherence-based adaptation ensures personalized and responsive interactions, improving the overall therapeutic or entertainment value of the virtual reality experience.
13. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 11 , wherein the sensor is included in a chest strap monitor.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates physiological monitoring with immersive virtual environments to enhance user engagement and therapeutic outcomes. The system addresses the challenge of providing real-time, non-invasive physiological data to users in a virtual reality (VR) setting, enabling applications in stress management, rehabilitation, and performance training. The system includes a sensor embedded in a chest strap monitor, which detects physiological signals such as heart rate, respiration, or muscle activity. These signals are processed to generate biofeedback, which is then integrated into the VR environment in real time. The biofeedback may influence virtual elements, such as avatars, environments, or game mechanics, to create a responsive and adaptive experience. For example, a user's stress levels, as detected by the chest strap, could alter the VR environment's difficulty or visual cues to promote relaxation or skill development. The system may also include additional sensors, such as wristbands or head-mounted devices, to capture complementary physiological data. By combining VR immersion with real-time biofeedback, the system provides a dynamic and personalized experience for users, improving motivation and effectiveness in therapeutic or training applications.
14. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 11 , wherein the sensor is included in an ear clip monitor.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates physiological sensors with immersive virtual environments to monitor and respond to a user's real-time biometric data. The system addresses the challenge of enhancing user engagement and therapeutic effectiveness in virtual reality applications by providing dynamic feedback based on physiological signals. The sensor, embedded in an ear clip monitor, captures biometric data such as heart rate, skin conductance, or other relevant physiological metrics. The system processes this data to adjust virtual reality content, such as visual, auditory, or interactive elements, in real time. For example, the system may modify the intensity of a virtual environment based on detected stress levels or adapt gameplay difficulty according to the user's physiological responses. The ear clip monitor ensures non-invasive, continuous data collection without obstructing the user's field of view or mobility. This approach enhances the system's practicality and accuracy, making it suitable for applications in mental health therapy, fitness training, or entertainment. The integration of biofeedback with virtual reality creates a personalized and responsive experience, improving user outcomes and engagement.
15. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 11 , wherein the virtual reality headset and portable computing device are integrally connected so as to form a single unit without the ability to remove the portable computing device.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates a virtual reality headset with a portable computing device into a single, non-removable unit. The system monitors physiological signals from a user, such as heart rate, muscle activity, or brainwaves, using sensors embedded in the headset or connected peripherals. These signals are processed in real-time by the portable computing device to generate biofeedback data. The system then adjusts the virtual reality environment based on this data, creating immersive experiences that respond to the user's physiological state. For example, the system may modify visual or auditory elements in the virtual environment to promote relaxation, enhance focus, or provide therapeutic interventions. The integrated design ensures seamless data transmission between the sensors and the computing device, eliminating the need for external connections or separate processing units. This approach enhances user comfort and reduces setup complexity, making the system suitable for applications in mental health, physical rehabilitation, and performance training. The biofeedback loop allows for personalized and adaptive virtual reality experiences tailored to the user's physiological responses.
16. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 11 , wherein the set of instructions further includes providing a breath indicator suitable for prompting the user to take a breath at predetermined times.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates physiological monitoring with immersive virtual environments to enhance user relaxation, focus, or training. The system monitors user biometrics such as heart rate, respiration, or muscle tension via wearable sensors and adjusts virtual reality content in real-time to respond to these inputs. For example, the system may modify visual or auditory elements to guide the user toward a desired physiological state, such as reducing stress or improving concentration. The system also includes a breath indicator that prompts the user to take breaths at predetermined intervals, helping regulate breathing patterns for relaxation or performance optimization. This feature may be used in therapeutic applications, meditation training, or cognitive performance enhancement. The system dynamically adjusts the breath prompts based on the user's real-time biometric data to ensure synchronization with their physiological state. By combining biofeedback with virtual reality, the system provides an interactive and personalized experience to improve mental and physical well-being.
17. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 16 , further including a breathing monitor suitable for monitoring the breathing of the user and wherein the instructions further include determining the user's reaction time to the prompting by the breath indicator.
A biofeedback virtual reality system integrates physiological monitoring with immersive virtual environments to enhance user engagement and training outcomes. The system includes a virtual reality headset that displays a virtual environment and a breath indicator that prompts the user to perform breathing exercises. A breathing monitor tracks the user's respiratory patterns in real-time, providing feedback on their adherence to the breathing prompts. The system further analyzes the user's reaction time to the breath indicator, measuring the delay between the prompt and the user's response. This data can be used to assess the user's attentiveness, stress levels, or cognitive performance. The system may also include additional sensors, such as heart rate monitors or motion trackers, to provide a comprehensive biofeedback experience. By combining virtual reality with physiological monitoring, the system enables applications in stress management, rehabilitation, and cognitive training, where real-time feedback can improve user outcomes. The system dynamically adjusts the virtual environment or prompts based on the user's physiological responses, creating a personalized and adaptive experience.
18. A biofeedback virtual reality system according to claim 17 , wherein the set of instructions further includes calibrating the prompting of the breath indicator based on the determined reaction time.
A biofeedback virtual reality system monitors and adjusts user interactions in real-time to improve performance or training outcomes. The system tracks physiological signals, such as heart rate or respiration, and provides visual or auditory feedback to guide the user. A breath indicator is displayed to prompt the user to inhale or exhale at specific times, helping regulate breathing patterns. The system measures the user's reaction time to these prompts and dynamically adjusts the timing of subsequent breath indicators to optimize responsiveness. This calibration ensures the prompts align with the user's natural reaction speed, enhancing the effectiveness of the biofeedback training. The system may also include additional features like virtual environments, performance metrics, and adaptive difficulty levels to tailor the experience to the user's needs. By integrating real-time physiological monitoring with interactive feedback, the system supports applications in stress management, athletic training, and medical rehabilitation.
19. A method of improving a mental state of a user in need thereof, the method comprising: providing a virtual reality device and a sensor configured to transmit a signal representative of physiological information of the user, the virtual reality device including a plurality of virtual reality environments; determining a current mental state of the user based upon the signal; setting an initial state of a selected one of the plurality of virtual reality environments based upon the determining; providing a breath indicator, the breath indicator indicating when the user should attempt to take a breath; monitoring the mental state of the user via the sensor; and adjusting the state of the selected one of the plurality of virtual reality environments, from the initial state, based upon the monitoring.
This invention relates to a virtual reality (VR) system designed to improve a user's mental state by dynamically adapting immersive environments based on real-time physiological feedback. The system addresses the challenge of providing personalized mental health interventions through VR by integrating physiological monitoring with adaptive content delivery. A VR device presents multiple virtual environments, while a sensor tracks the user's physiological data, such as heart rate or stress levels, to assess their current mental state. The system initializes a selected VR environment based on this assessment and includes a breath indicator to guide the user's breathing patterns. As the user interacts with the environment, the system continuously monitors their physiological responses and adjusts the VR environment in real-time to optimize mental state improvement. For example, if the user's stress levels rise, the system may modify visual or auditory elements to create a calming effect. The adaptive nature of the system ensures that the VR experience remains responsive to the user's needs, enhancing its effectiveness in promoting relaxation or reducing anxiety. This approach combines biometric feedback with immersive technology to deliver tailored mental health support.
20. A method according to claim 19 , wherein the determining a current mental state is derived from an HRV score, which is inversely proportional to the user's HRV cycle.
This invention relates to a method for assessing a user's mental state by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV). The method addresses the challenge of accurately determining mental states such as stress, focus, or relaxation by leveraging physiological signals. HRV, a measure of the variation in time between successive heartbeats, is known to correlate with autonomic nervous system activity and emotional regulation. The method calculates an HRV score, which is inversely proportional to the user's HRV cycle—meaning a lower HRV score indicates a higher HRV cycle, typically associated with greater stress or arousal, while a higher HRV score indicates a lower HRV cycle, often linked to relaxation or calmness. The method may involve collecting heart rate data from wearable or medical devices, processing the data to extract HRV metrics, and applying algorithms to derive the mental state from the HRV score. This approach provides a non-invasive, objective way to monitor mental states in real-time, useful for applications in mental health, wellness tracking, and biofeedback systems. The method may integrate with other physiological or behavioral data to enhance accuracy.
Unknown
September 17, 2019
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